Complex Information Architecture
Users often lose their way in the information overload.

NWH: Rich in Information but Challenging to Navigate

Peer Practice: Clear Path for Volunteers vs Donors

Inconvenient Signup Process
Users are discouraged by the time-consuming process with extensive scrolls and hard-to-find buttons.

NWH: As Many As 10 Steps to Application Form

Peer Practice: Efficient Process within 2 Clicks

Underwhelming Visual Appeal
The existing visual system conveys a too-serious and subdued tone to the website.

NWH: Professional yet Too-Serious Visual

Peer Practice: Communicating Friendliness

1. Intuitive Information Architecture

2a. Streamlined Signup Process

Original: Long scrolls and hidden buttons

Redesign: Only a few taps and minimal scrolling

2b. Quick Apply within 1 minute

3a. Harvesty, Warm Logo

The SODO community market... I think it's a welcoming, warm, fun place to come to.

3b. Inviting and Accessible Visual

Usability Test

Issue 1 Confusing Scheduling System

The participants were overwhelmed by the lengthy application form and struggled to remember time slots for their preferred locations.

Action: Introduced a 'quick apply' system to simplify the scheduling process.

Issue 2 Inconvenient Shortcuts

Participants found the shortcuts confusing. 5 out of 6 expressed a preference to access more detailed information before signing up.

Action: Created simplified cards that lead directly to a "learn more" page.

Issue 3 Unclear Accordion Button

The test participants were not aware of the expand/collapse feature but expected the quick view button to open a new page.

Action: Replaced it with a more intuitive accordion-style button.

• Selective Improvements:
  The original website is adequate, so I ensured that every change I implemented would truly enhance its value. This approach led me to retain the existing mix of sans-serif and serif typography, reuse a majority of the photographs, and maintain aspects of the original color scheme. Each decision was made with the intention of adding significant value without overhauling what already worked well.
• Open to Adaptation:
  My initial design for the new logo drew inspiration from apples, a significant crop in Washington State, and Monet's haystacks. Although these elements resonated with the concept of harvest for me personally, they didn’t communicate the intended message to a broader audience. In response, I shifted focus to the pumpkin, a symbol with a clearer and more universal association with harvest.
• Innovative Approach:
  The project began with a revamp of the volunteer signup form, which contained seven sections and over 30 questions. However, upon reevaluation of what would constitute an optimal signup process, I introduced an innovative 'quick apply' flow. While this solution required more resources in the short term, it ultimately will be a mutually beneficial approach for both volunteers and the organization, emphasizing efficiency and user-friendliness.